In: Psychology
Health is largely viewed, rightly or wrongly, by the general population as a result of personal choices. Indeed, some of the more effective public health initiatives we have seen over the years (anti-smoking, Play 60, etc.) have focused on helping/urging people t0 make better decisions regarding their health behaviors. Much of the course material to this point, however, has focused on a large and growing body of research which shows that health is greatly influenced by external, social structural factors out of the control of the individual. Discuss this interplay between society and the individual. Which body of research, the health behavior or the social structure/stress research do you find most convincing or useful for developing health policy? What can be done about health disparities related to social position?
The interplay of both social and individual factor okay a role in determining the health outcomes. Individual factors are well documented that including eating habits , physical exercise , any abuse of substance , biological factor , physiological factors like organ misfunctioning etc.
Social factors like family environment , is it stressfull, is someone drug addicted , how cordial relationship is between members and pattern of interaction influence the health of a person. Society promotes culture and tradition which also include dietary pattern i.e they may promote or accept drinking alcohol or taking marijuana which in longer run may result in adverse health consequences.
Pattern of social interaction , how helpful is society in stressfull situation determin the physical and mental well being of individual.
Moreover , social status in society determine affordability and accessibility of health services , following of hygiene and sanitation and avoiding risk behaviours.
Health disparity related to social status can be tackled with universal health coverage for all citizen , strengthening public health services and making people aware of health best practises and promoting them through awareness campaign and NGO and civil society programs.